Former German international footballer Sebastian Hertner has tragically died following a ski lift accident at the Savin Kuk ski resort, located near the mountain town of Zabljak, Montenegro. The incident, which occurred on March 15, 2024, was witnessed by his wife, who saw him fall approximately 70 metres to the ground.
Initial reports indicate that a double chairlift detached from its cable, leading to a collision with the seat behind it. Hertner, aged 34, was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, aged 30, remained trapped in the chair and was later rescued by emergency services, sustaining a broken leg during the operation. Reports suggest that at least three other tourists were also stranded in their chairs for several hours before being safely brought down.
Tributes Pour In for Hertner
Hertner had a notable career in German football, playing for clubs such as 1860 Munich, Erzgebirge Aue, and Darmstadt in the second division. He also captained ETSV Hamburg in the Oberliga, Germany’s fifth tier. A statement from ETSV Hamburg expressed their grief: “It is with great sadness that we announce today that our captain Sebastian Hertner has died in a tragic accident while on holiday. We are stunned and incredibly sad. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sebastian.”
Hertner’s first club, VfB Stuttgart, also paid tribute, noting, “VfB Stuttgart mourns the loss of its former youth player Sebastian Hertner, who died in a tragic accident at the age of 34. Sebastian wore the jersey with the red chest band for seven years and played 65 games for VfB II in the 3. Liga. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.”
Investigation Underway
In the aftermath of the accident, authorities in Montenegro ordered an immediate shutdown of the chairlift, while prosecutors opened an investigation on the following day. Although no official cause was confirmed, officials announced plans for a thorough technical inspection of the lift. Mayor of Zabljak, Rados Zugic, emphasized the need for a comprehensive and transparent inquiry, stating, “We insist on a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine those responsible.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, Serbian news outlet Blic reported that the ski lift resumed operations less than 24 hours after the incident. Hertner was a respected prospect in football, having played alongside future senior internationals such as Christoph Kramer and Felix Kroos. His untimely death has shocked the football community and left many mourning the loss of a promising talent.
